From 28 June 2025, web accessibility will become a legal obligation for all companies operating within the European Union, in accordance with theEuropean Accessibility Act (EAA). This legislation represents a significant change for the European digital landscape, emphasising universal access to the web and digital services, regardless of users' physical or cognitive capabilities. But what exactly does this mean for companies, and how can they best prepare to meet the deadline?
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act is ambitious legislation introduced by the European Union to reduce the digital barriers that people with disabilities face on a daily basis. It covers not only web browsing, but extends to a wide range of digital products and services, including mobile applications, e-commerce platforms, ATMs, ticket machines and e-book readers. The main objective of the EAA is to promote an inclusive digital environment in which people with disabilities have equal access to information, products and services.
For Italian companies and those operating in Europe, the EAA means a radical change in the way websites and digital apps must be designed and managed. While until today many websites and platforms could overlook certain aspects of accessibility, 2025 will mark the beginning of a new era in which these features will be essential to operate legally within the European market.
Implications for Companies
As the deadline approaches, all companies operating in Europe will have to meet strict accessibility standards, defined by the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)which form the framework for the creation of accessible web content. The WCAG comprise a set of technical and practical requirements designed to ensure that people with disabilities can use websites and apps as easily as anyone else.
The main requirements include:
- Compatibility with screen readersWebsites must be easily accessible for visually impaired persons using screen readers. This means that all visual content must be accompanied by a text description that can be 'read' by these tools.
- Keyboard navigationIt is essential that a site is navigable entirely by keyboard, as some persons with motor disabilities may not be able to use a mouse.
- Alternative texts for imagesEach image must be accompanied by an alternative descriptive text that enables the visually impaired to understand the visual content.
- Colour contrastIn order to ensure that texts are also readable by visually impaired persons, it is important that there is adequate contrast between the text and the background.
- Reducing distracting elementsanimations, pop-ups or other visual elements that may disturb users' attention must be reduced or made inoperable.
Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to significant consequences. Non-compliant companies not only risk high fines, but could also face lawsuits and damage to their reputation. In a world increasingly focused on inclusive practices, non-compliance with the EAA could alienate a large portion of the public.
How to prepare for the European Accessibility Act
With the 2025 deadline ever closer, preparing in advance is crucial. Waiting until the last moment could put companies at a disadvantage, with the risk of having to make hasty and poorly optimised changes. Instead, companies that act now will have time to implement a solid and well-structured compliance plan, avoiding the last-minute rush.
A crucial first step for any company is to conduct a comprehensive accessibility analysis of its website and digital applications. This analysis should identify all areas that need improvement, from usability issues for people with visual, hearing or motor disabilities to compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
In this context, specialised services such as those offered by Accessibi can make all the difference. Accessibi not only offers an in-depth analysis of critical site issues, but also provides easy-to-implement solutions, enabling companies to quickly align with WCAG requirements and ensure compliance with EAA regulations. The advantage of using a platform like Accessibi lies in the simplicity of the process: a team of experts follows each step, from the identification of problems to the implementation of solutions, minimising the time and resources required of companies.
Why act now?
Besides the obvious advantage of avoiding financial penalties and legal problems, there are many reasons why companies should act now and make their sites accessible. First of all, an accessible site does not only benefit people with disabilities: it improves the user experience for everyone. A well-structured site with intuitive navigation and easy-to-read content is more enjoyable to use for everyone, regardless of ability. This translates into greater user engagement, more time spent on the site and, ultimately, higher conversions.
Web accessibility also has a positive impact on SEO. Search engines such as Google reward websites that follow accessibility best practices, improving their ranking in search results. A WCAG-compliant site, therefore, will not only be accessible to all, but will also gain greater online visibility, attracting more organic traffic.
Another aspect to consider is corporate reputation. At a time when inclusivity and social responsibility are major issues, demonstrating a commitment to digital accessibility can improve brand image. Companies that show attention to the needs of all their customers, including those with disabilities, build a stronger and more trustworthy reputation.
With Accessibi, you are ready for 2025
Preparing for the arrival of European Accessibility Act may seem a complex challenge, but with Accessibithe process becomes simple and manageable. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the way, from the initial analysis to the implementation of changes, ensuring that your site is fully compliant by the 2025 deadline.
Don't wait until the last minute: act now and turn accessibility into an opportunity to improve your business, provide a better experience for your users and increase your online visibility. With Accessibiyou are in good hands.
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